67 DeVille steering noise "HELP!!"

[lou-q]

When I turn the wheel on our 67 DeVille sometimes it makes a squeaky humming noise especially when parking and turning at a slow speed.
It seems to be coming from the steering column, but you know how sound travels it could be somewhere else.
Anyone familiar with the problem and how to fix it?
Thanks,
Lou

[Dave Shepherd]

Can we assume the fluid is full and the belt is tight?

[lou-q]

Yep, the fluid is full and the belt tight. And the belt doesn't look glazed so I don't think it's slipping but it's old.
Lou

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Is it an a/c car?  Mine is OK until the first time I turn the a/c on.  Then it squeals horribly for 5 seconds or so. 
Put a mark on the pulley with a piece of chalk so that you can see how the pulley is turning.  Then have someone turn the wheel side to side.  See if the chalk mark slows or stops for a split second when you hear the noise.  That will tell you if it is a belt problem.
Jeff

[lou-q]

Thanks Jeff,
I'll try that tomorrow.
The sound seems to come from the steering column.
I'll report back tomorrow.
Lou

[Julien Abrahams]

Could also be your steering pump. I don't think they are horribly expensive, ,so you might be well off buying a rebuilt one.

[Scot Minesinger]

If you do find yourself in need of a power steering pump be prepared for some bad ones, I mean they become loud audible tachometers.  The power steering change is not bad, except that in most cases for me it takes two or three of them to get one that is not noisy.  The only time I had a one time install is when I bought a USA Parts pump for like $150 as opposed to the $50 NAPA or Rock Auto products.  I'm talking top down 60mph and you hear it noisy, or top up 30mph and really dominates anything you hear noisy. 

I think if I change another it will be a USA Parts one just to save time.  Maybe a Rock Auto if labor reimbursement is included in warranty-unlikely-but if offered for sale buy it.

Also don't use a puller to get the pulley off the pump shaft or you will bend it, it must be pressed off. 

[Gene Beaird]

IFF the noise is coming from the pump, you might be able to help the situation some by replacing the fluid in the reservoir.  We have a 95 Caprice that's very hard on the power steering components.  The pump will start groaning in slow speed turns, and I'll replace the fluid.  I use a turkey baster with a piece of vacuum hose stuck to the end so I can get as much sucked out of the reservoir as I can, then I refill it with Red Line Synthetic PSF.  It lasts about 2 years like that, and has kept me from having to replace the noisy pump for about 6 years now.  Try it, it might help. 

Otherwise, you're probably looking at replacing the pump.